The United States will soon send Ukraine 500 interceptor missiles for the NASAMS and Patriot air defense systems.

This was reported by the Wall Street Journal with reference to an official of the US President Biden’s administration.

The United States decided to provide such assistance against the backdrop of Russia’s increased massive drone attacks on Ukraine.

The missiles are expected to arrive in the near future.

According to one US official, the aid should satisfy the need to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense by the end of this year.

According to the officials interviewed by the publication, the Biden administration is trying to send billions of dollars worth of military equipment to Ukraine before the end of his presidential term.

However, it is facing serious logistical problems and concerns about depletion of U.S. stockpiles.

“These obstacles underscore the extent to which the election of Donald Trump has disrupted the US-led campaign to help Ukraine, which has suffered serious setbacks on the battlefield in its war against Russia,” the newspaper quoted the officials as saying.

In May, it became known that the Ukrainian military had received the latest version of NASAMS 3 systems, which can use the new AIM-9X.

The Block II version features an ATK MK-139 engine with a controlled thrust vector. This significantly improves the missile’s maneuverability.

It has fixed front fins and smaller fins designed to improve flight characteristics. The speed and range of the new missile are classified.

Also in June, the US military signed a contract to produce 870 missiles for the Patriot air defense system.